The Chicago White Sox mean business. A day before the 2026 MLB trade deadline, they pulled off a trade to bolster their pitching staff by trading for three-time All-Star and Seattle Mariners right-hander Luis Castillo, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.
Based on Passan’s report, the deal is a three-for-one trade.
From Passan on X: “BREAKING: The Chicago White Sox are acquiring right-hander Luis Castillo in a trade with the Seattle Mariners for reliever Seranthony Dominguez, outfielder Nolan Jones and catching prospect Boston Smith, sources tell ESPN.”
It hasn’t been a great 2026 season for Castillo so far, but a change of scenery could be just what the doctor ordered for the 33-year-old pitcher. In what turned out to be his last start in Seattle uniform, Castillo got lit up for 5 earned runs on 11 hits with 2 walks and just 2 strikeouts through five innings, albeit in a 7-6 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday.
Before the trade, Castillo went just 3-9 with a 5.06 ERA and 1.395 WHIP through 20 appearances (17 starts) this year for the White Sox. However, underlying numbers such as his 4.57 FIP and .304 BABIP suggest that he could pick things up on the mound.
According to ESPN’s Alden González, the White Sox will shoulder the rest of the money on the pitcher’s contract, which also includes a $25M vesting option for 2028 if he pitches for at least 180 innings.
The White Sox, who have not been to the playoffs since 2021, are atop the AL Central standings with a 58-52 record despite a 1-0 loss on Saturday to the Tampa Bay Rays.
